the deciding factor is FINALLY in, and she said YES!
So here is my official entry for Mango Minster 2012, in the "Working Stiffs" category.
I (Brandon) will take you through a brief "blast through the recent past" to show you how well I fit into the category "Working Stiffs".
Starting off with the well known obvious:
Starting off with the well known obvious:
#1. Being a guide dog in training pretty much says it all... I work hard EVERYDAY, whether I'm learning what I'm suppose to do for the command "forward", being calm at a retirement home or how I'm suppose to behave during puppy meetings... I'm always working and learning things new :)
 |
| Picture of Brandon in coat in a sit-stay at the mall, waiting for his next command |
#2. I have to work hard to ignore myself in all the cool mirrors my raiser takes me by, while shopping. I don't get why she enjoys pointing out every mirror to me, when I'm suppose to "ignore" things?? I guess everything makes for a good photo op:
#3. No matter how big or fun an animal may be, I have to work hard on maintaining a calm temperament, and making sure to always listen to my raiser FIRST, before playing with the animal.
 |
| Picture of Brandon "somewhat" looking back at me, trying to figure out if he's allowed to go sniff Patches (the horse hitched up the the buggy; in the background) |
#4. I do an amazing job working with my raiser on my commands, whether it's learning new ones - or just practicing "old" ones, I do them all!
 |
| Picture of Brandon in a down-stay during puppy class (about 6-8 puppies to the left/right of him too, that you can't see... just adds in for "distraction training"!) |
#5. No matter how good the food may smell up top... I have to work on ignoring ALL of it. My raiser does a good job at taking me anywhere and everywhere with her, including food courts, fast food stops, fancy restaurants, pizza pick up, and any other random food places, that she thinks can be used as "distraction training" fur me!
 |
| Picture of Brandon maintaining a perfect sit-stay underneath our booth at a fast food restaurant |
#6. I have to be ready to make big decisions at any random time, since humans are prone to getting a "brain freeze" and totally forget what they were wanting to do next, which means I have to not only do my work but also make choices fur her!
 |
| Picture of Brandon trying to decide whether to go "up" or "down" the stairs at the movie theater |
#7. I should be the most advanced 4 month old doggy, since I've already been attending college with my raiser... you all know what kind of hard work that can be!
 |
| Picture of Brandon laying down on his blanket during one of my college classes (the one time he wasn't asleep!) |
#8. I worked furry hard on learning to enjoy the V-E-T. After many different trips their and lots of treats... I've decided that the V-E-T is almost as fun as puppy class!!
 |
| Picture of Brandon sitting on the exam table, while the vet does a brief examination of him |
#9. And we all know how furry hard I have to work to look so darn cute!!
 |
| Picture of Brandon as a "wee little thing" in the grass, same picture as his blogger header photo |
So, as you can see... I may still be a furry young puppy, but I have a lot of duties at this age, and do an amazing job following through with them, if I say so myself!
Do you think I qualify for the "Workings Stiffs" category??
I look forward to learning more in the following months about my journey to becoming a guide dog for the blind, and can't wait to see where I end up!
A huge furry thanks to Mango & his Momma for planning & running the Mango Minster 2012, we are looking forward to participating in the event/dog show... and know it will be a lot of furry fun!!
-Brandon
-Brandon
20 comments:
Did not know about this contest, and looks so fun! Might consider for to enter.
Being working dog looks so neat, Brandon. Have always so much energy, and like to learn new things. Instead of doing very important work, put energy into agility and competition obedience and chasing balls.
Sidekick say, as soon as we have a house all to selves with yard, will be helping working dogs like you! Cannot wait.
One thing you DON'T have to work hard at is being so darn cute! And smart too! You're a winner!
Have a nice weekend.
Oh Brandon you win
Benny & Lily
Yep, you work very hard and belong in Mango's working stiffs category.
However, you do not have to work hard to look cute. You're a natural at that.
Great entry, Brandon.Good luck to you.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Excellent entry, Brandon! I definitely think you are one hard working pup!
Bunny
dude
Are you getting a paycheck for all those hours worked? Huh. my momma wants to send me for distraction training. Does your raiser have an opening?
norwood
Great entry, little buddy! Good luck!
Luv,
DAve
Brandon, you more than qualify for the Working Stiffs category and you just proved it with all the steps you showed. I didn't know half the stuff you have to be aware of!
What's more it's not just work, it's love you give with every step.
Hugs,
Tom, mom Julie & Mittens
We're thinking along Norwood's lines: you deserve a paycheck and a retirement plan and excellent health insurance. Bet you have them, too, through your wonderful program. You are one of the hardest working dogs of any age that we have met. Good luck in the contest.
Jed & Abby
Wow Brandon! We are impressed with your many talents! Wow you even go to college! You got 8 paws up from us for doing a great job (4 paws from me and 4 paws from my little brother Benji). We entered the Mango contest too -- butt we are so impressed with all your talents! That would be so hard for us to ignore all those distractions at the food court -- you do an excellent job! Keep up the good work!
Hi, my name is Chelsea Usher and I'm a student at Gardner-Webb University. I saw the article in the Shelby Star about you and Brandon, and I had to check our your blog! I'm actually raising a puppy this year for Leader Dogs for the Blind. I would love to talk to you about your experiences raising puppies while in school, and if Brandon needs a playmate or an outing with another puppy in training, I'm sure my Tucker (male yellow lab) would be happy to help! He has his own blog, too - trackintucker.blogspot.com
Chelsea Usher
cusher@gardner-webb.edu
Oh my we think you are more then qualified you work so hard. And you are training for a very important job.
Hi Y'all!
You're the winner in my book! What a great promotion for puppy raising and assistance dogs, whether leader dogs, hearing dogs, health alert dogs or handicap assistance.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
SOOOO glad you aren't in the "Too Darn Cute" contest! You would be MAJOR competition!!! It's nice to meet you, Brandon. We knew Toby and Rudy from before. The Country Corgis
Good luck Brandon!!!
You are certainly a hard worker for such a young fellow. Your handler is doing a super job! Good luck in MM2012!!
Smooches from pooches,
BabyRocketDog & Hootie
Hello Brandon..wow so young and already so clever..congratulations on your fab work commitment...gulp!...you are not making it easy for us normal doggies...gulp! especially the Bad Sports!..very nice to visit you and well done with all the good work buddy. Aroofs from a faraway land called France! Zola
Woo are one dedicated working pup, no doubt about that!!
jack & moo
You sure work hard. Good luck to you.
Post a Comment